During the American Civil War, Phillips repeatedly attacked the government of President abraham lincoln. After the Civil War, Phillips presided over the anti-slavery association until the amendment to Article 15 of the American Federal Constitution was passed. The passage of this amendment makes it illegal to refuse to give people of color the right to vote.

As American orator and reformer wendell phillips said, failure is the mother of success. Phillips was born in Boston. 1837, he gave up his legal practice and joined the abolitionist group led by William Lloyd Garrison, opposing any individual, institution or legislation that prevented the abolition of slavery.